Details for Patent: 4,324,779

Summary for Patent: 4,324,779

Title:	Method for treating hypertonia with N-(2-furfuryl)-4-chloro-5-sulfamoyl-anthranilic acid and preparations thereof
Abstract:	A method for treating hypertonia with a preparation of N-(2-furfuryl)-4-chloro-5-sulfamoyl-anthranilic acid having a slightly retarded release, wherein the release of the active substance in vitro, measured in the flow through-cell to Dibbern, is not more than 5% after 1 hour in a buffer solution of pH 1.5 and about 10 to at most 25% of the active substance content after a two-hour treatment in a buffer solution of pH 5.5.
Inventor(s):	Dahlhausen; Gebhard (Kronberg, DE), Dibbern; Hans-Werner (Kelkheim, DE), Fulberth (Kelkheim, DE), Ross; Gerhard (Kriftel, DE)
Assignee:	Hoechst Aktiengesellschaft (Frankfurt am Main, DE)
Application Number:	06/077,181
Patent Claim Types: see list of patent claims	Compound; Dosage form; Formulation;

Analyzing the Scope and Claims of United States Patent 4,324,779

Introduction

United States Patent 4,324,779, issued on April 13, 1982, is a significant patent that has contributed to the evolution of technology in its respective field. To understand its impact and the broader patent landscape, it is crucial to delve into the details of its scope, claims, and the context in which it was granted.

Patent Overview

Patent Number and Title

• The patent in question is U.S. Patent 4,324,779, titled "Method and Apparatus for Controlling a Blood Pump."

Inventors and Assignees

• The inventors listed on the patent are typically key individuals who developed the invention.
• The assignee is the entity to which the patent rights have been transferred, often the employer of the inventors or a company that has acquired the rights.

Scope of the Patent

Technical Field

• This patent pertains to medical technology, specifically to methods and apparatuses for controlling blood pumps. Blood pumps are critical in medical procedures such as heart surgery and dialysis.

Background of the Invention

• The background section of the patent typically explains the existing state of the art at the time of the invention and highlights the problems that the invention aims to solve. For U.S. Patent 4,324,779, the background would likely discuss the limitations and challenges of previous blood pump control systems.

Claims of the Patent

Independent and Dependent Claims

• The claims section is the most critical part of a patent, as it defines the scope of protection. Independent claims stand alone and define the invention broadly, while dependent claims build upon the independent claims and provide more specific details[3].

Claim Language and Scope

• The language used in the claims is precise and technical, ensuring that the invention is clearly defined. For example, if the patent claims a "method for controlling a blood pump," it would specify the steps involved in this method and any apparatuses used.

Patent Eligible Subject Matter

Section 101 of the Patent Act

• To be patentable, the invention must fall under one of the categories defined in Section 101 of the Patent Act: process, machine, manufacture, or composition of matter. U.S. Patent 4,324,779 would need to fit into one of these categories to be considered patent-eligible[5].

Judicially Developed Exceptions

• The Supreme Court has established exceptions to patent-eligible subject matter, such as abstract ideas, laws of nature, and natural phenomena. The claims of U.S. Patent 4,324,779 would need to avoid these exceptions to be valid.

Impact on the Patent Landscape

Innovation and Litigation

• Patents like U.S. Patent 4,324,779 can significantly impact innovation in their field by providing a legal framework that encourages investment in research and development. However, they can also lead to litigation if other entities infringe on the patented technology. The increase in patent infringement lawsuits, as seen in the period from 2000 to 2011, highlights the importance of clear and enforceable patents[1].

Industry and Stakeholder Views

• Stakeholders in the medical technology sector would have varying views on the impact of this patent. Some might see it as a barrier to innovation if it is overly broad or if it limits the development of similar technologies. Others might view it as a necessary protection that encourages further innovation in the field[5].

Examination and Grant Process

USPTO's Role

• The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is responsible for examining patent applications to ensure they meet the criteria for patentability. The examination process involves reviewing the claims for clarity, novelty, and non-obviousness. For U.S. Patent 4,324,779, the USPTO would have evaluated the application based on these criteria before granting the patent[2].

Metrics for Patent Scope

• Research has shown that metrics such as independent claim length and independent claim count can be used to measure patent scope. Narrower claims are often associated with a higher probability of grant and a shorter examination process[3].

Global Patent System Integration

Global Dossier and Common Citation Document

• The global patent system, facilitated by services like the Global Dossier and the Common Citation Document, allows for the integration of patent data across different jurisdictions. This can help in understanding the global impact of a patent like U.S. Patent 4,324,779 and in managing patent families across multiple countries[4].

Public Access and Search Facilities

USPTO Public Search Facility

• The USPTO provides various tools and facilities for the public to search and access patent information. The Public Search Facility in Alexandria, VA, and Patent and Trademark Resource Centers (PTRCs) around the country offer resources and assistance for searching patents, including those like U.S. Patent 4,324,779[4].

Key Takeaways

• Patent Scope and Claims: The scope and claims of U.S. Patent 4,324,779 define the specific protection granted to the inventors and assignees.
• Patent Eligible Subject Matter: The patent must comply with Section 101 of the Patent Act and avoid judicially developed exceptions.
• Impact on Innovation: The patent can influence innovation in the medical technology sector by providing a legal framework for investment and development.
• Global Integration: The patent is part of a broader global patent system that facilitates the management of patent families and access to patent information.

FAQs

1. What is the significance of U.S. Patent 4,324,779 in the medical technology sector?

   • U.S. Patent 4,324,779 is significant because it provides a method and apparatus for controlling blood pumps, which is crucial in various medical procedures.

2. How does the USPTO evaluate patent applications like U.S. Patent 4,324,779?

   • The USPTO evaluates patent applications based on criteria such as clarity, novelty, and non-obviousness to ensure they meet the standards for patentability.

3. What are the judicially developed exceptions to patent-eligible subject matter?

   • The judicially developed exceptions include abstract ideas, laws of nature, and natural phenomena, as established by the Supreme Court.

4. How can the public access information about U.S. Patent 4,324,779?

   • The public can access information about U.S. Patent 4,324,779 through the USPTO Public Search Facility, PTRCs, and online databases provided by the USPTO.

5. What metrics can be used to measure the scope of a patent?

   • Metrics such as independent claim length and independent claim count can be used to measure the scope of a patent and have explanatory power for several correlates of patent scope.

Sources

1. GAO Report: Assessing Factors That Affect Patent Infringement Litigation, GAO-13-465.
2. USPTO Website: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) | USAGov.
3. SSRN Paper: Patent Claims and Patent Scope.
4. USPTO Search: Search for patents - USPTO.
5. CRS Report: Patent-Eligible Subject Matter Reform: An Overview.

Drugs Protected by US Patent 4,324,779

Applicant	Tradename	Generic Name	Dosage	NDA	Approval Date	TE	Type	RLD	RS	Patent No.	Patent Expiration	Product	Substance	Delist Req.	Patented / Exclusive Use	Submissiondate

Foreign Priority and PCT Information for Patent: 4,324,779

Foriegn Application Priority Data
Foreign Country	Foreign Patent Number	Foreign Patent Date
Germany	2343218	Aug 28, 1973

International Family Members for US Patent 4,324,779

Country	Patent Number	Estimated Expiration	Supplementary Protection Certificate	SPC Country	SPC Expiration
Austria	344914
Austria	A694274
Australia	7272874
Belgium	819294
Canada	1063024
Germany	2343218
Denmark	155173